Three important pieces of legislation that address the housing crisis were passed this year thanks to grassroots organizing and the support of Representatives Mia Bonta, Lori Wilson, Timothy Grayson, Liz Ortega, and Buffy Wicks as well as Senators Aisha Wahab and Nancy Skinner.
SB567, “The Homelessness Prevention Act” by Senator Maria Elena Durazo aims to protect vulnerable tenants from illegal rent hikes and fraudulent evictions, providing protections for hundreds of thousands of families.
SB4, “The Affordable Housing on Faith Lands Act” by Senator Scott Wiener will expedite the development of affordable housing on lands owned by religious institutions and nonprofit colleges, providing a crucial lifeline to more families in need. 171,000 acres of land are now available for these purposes.
AB1418 by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor advances racial equity in housing, prohibiting discriminatory “crime-free” housing ordinances, and preventing unjust tenant rejections and evictions based on prior interactions with law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
All of these elected officials met with faith-based organizers from Alameda and Contra Costa Counties—Faith in Action East Bay—to hear concerns about the housing crisis.
The effort was part of PICO California’s statewide “Home is Sacred” campaign that is working to ensure every person in California has a dignified place to call home. From quiet beginnings and planning early in the year, the campaign grew to challenge unjust policies and shed light on the housing crisis afflicting our state.
Clergy, grassroots leaders, organizers, and thousands of justice-oriented Californians marched, rallied, organized, and advocated. Our legislators listened and now important housing protections have become law.
While there is more to be done to ensure everyone has access to safe and secure housing, let us celebrate the power of people and our elected officials coming together to build a more equitable California.